Pop star Chappell Roan severed ties with Wasserman, the entertainment and sports agency, on Monday, citing the need for representation that aligns with her moral values. The decision follows the recent release of court documents detailing agency founder Casey Wasserman’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Roan announced her departure in an Instagram story, stating, “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well.” She continued, “No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.” Roan emphasized the importance of representation that supports “artists’ safety and dignity,” adding that “meaningful change…requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”
The move comes after Wasserman’s name appeared in the latest batch of documents released in connection with the Epstein case, including reports of suggestive emails exchanged with Maxwell in 2003, as Rolling Stone reported. Wasserman was likewise documented as having been aboard Epstein’s private plane in 2002.
Roan’s decision is not isolated. Several other artists have publicly denounced Wasserman and called for his resignation. Best Coast singer Bethany Cosentino published an open letter on Instagram on February 5th demanding Wasserman step down, stating the situation he created for his agents was “inexcusable,” according to USA Today. The band Beach Bunny issued a similar statement on January 8th, calling Wasserman’s actions “abhorrent and disturbing.” Wednesday also announced its departure from the agency on January 9th.
Wasserman, who also serves as the head of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, issued a statement on January 31st expressing regret for his association with Epstein and Maxwell. He claimed he was on the plane as part of a “humanitarian trip” and stated he was “terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
The fallout extends beyond artist representation. According to The Wrap, some of Wasserman’s music agents are exploring the possibility of spinning off the music representation business, although others are demanding Wasserman’s resignation from the agency itself. Duffy McSwiggin, SVP of Music at Wasserman and senior agent Marty Diamond are among those calling for a change in leadership.
Wasserman’s agency represents a wide range of high-profile clients, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Pharrell. As of Sunday night, February 8th, the agency reportedly removed its artist roster from its website, according to Rolling Stone. Wasserman did not respond to a request for comment from Axios on Monday evening.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further artists to sever ties with Wasserman and continued pressure on the executive to address the allegations surrounding his past associations.
